Glyn Arthur Project Update - February 2024

Scanning (10/01/24): Scanning results indicated a promising increase in the number of twins however the barren rate was higher than expected resulting in a similar scanning percentage to previous years. Further analysis is ongoing to assess individual ewe performance and identify areas for improvement.

Barren Ewe Check and Health Assessments (12/02/24): Body condition scores (BCS) and MSD barren ewe checks including testing for enzootic abortion (enzo) and toxoplasmosis were conducted. While a slight improvement in BCS was observed, further interventions may be needed to reach the target BCS of 3 in year two. Blood samples of barren ewes after scanning time revealed two animals to have antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that is shed by cats and can cause abortion in sheep.  This may be one factor contributing to low scanning rates in the flock.